Adopt-a-Senior program needs help
The local Toys for Tots program is still accepting donations of new, unwrapped toys and monetary donations at various donations sites around Albany, but according to ResourceCare case worker Makenzie Marshall right now the greater need is for people to adopt the seniors in the Vittles by Vehicle program.
“We have 37 senior in the Vittles by Vehicle program, and so far none of them have been adopted,” Marshall said on Monday. “Donations are still needed for the seniors!”
Adopt-a-Senior
The program provides practical Christmas gifts such as cleaning supplies, bed sheets, and towels to the 37 senior adults on the Vittles by Vehicle list.
“Many of the seniors we serve have no family living nearby to help with things we take for granted,” said program director Mindy Ary. “The Adopt-a-Senior program enables community members to reach out and make the holidays of a lower income elderly citizen a whole lot brighter.”
To adopt a senior, call Marshall at 325-762-2447, ext. 119.
Gifts for the seniors should be dropped off at the Resource Center by Wednesday, Dec. 19, so they can be wrapped before their delivery with the VBV meals on Friday, Dec. 21.
Toys for Tots
Marine SSgt. Doug Beaty coordinates the local Toys for Tots campaign, which provides gifts to children ages newborn to sixth grade.
Beaty collected donated toys on Sunday, and will shop online at vendors that sell to Toys for Tots at deeply discounted prices, along with purchasing toys at merchants in Albany to augment the donated toys and provide gifts to all of the 84 children that were enrolled for Toys for Tots this year.
Parents who applied for Toys for Tots need to remember to pick up their toys at the Youth Center on Wednesday, Dec. 12 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Beaty is assisted in his fundraising efforts by Albany High National Honor Society students who help provide and serve a fundraising meal and gather donated toys at the high school, and local merchants who agree to set up donation boxes in their stores.
New toys and gift wrap paper can still be dropped off at the donation boxes at AHS, the Resource Center, and at Dollar General, while money collection sites are located at Prairie Star, Sanders Drug Store, and Albany Minit Mart.
“All of the toys and funds collected in Albany are used for the children of Albany and Moran,” said Beaty.
Christmas for Teens
This year the Albany Ministerial Alliance offered to take the lead role in providing holiday gifts to local underprivileged teens.
For more information about the teen Christmas program, see the article about the Ministerial Alliance’s Believe Trees in this week’s Albany News.
